Happy Valentine's Day, friends! I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of eating out on Valentine's Day. Restaurants are always crowded and I feel like the prix fixe menus are a bit over-the-top. What I do love, however, is a candlelit table and a delicious homemade meal with a good bottle of wine. So, this week, instead of my usual easy weeknight meals, I'm sharing some ideas for a cozy stay-at-home Valentine's Day!

I love starting the meal with this French-style Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Dijon vinaigrette. (Is there anything better than bubbly cheese on toast?) For the main course, you've got some options: meat-lovers will love this easy Pan-Roasted Filet Mignon with Blue Cheese. (Feel free to substitute ribeye or NY strip steak for the filet.) For seafood fans, I recommend Sear-Roasted Cod with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Carrot Puree, or Pistachio-Crusted Tuna with Balsamic-Glazed Red Onions. Both are simple to prepare, and absolutely fantastic.

Chocolate for dessert is a must, in my opinion. Whether you're gluten-free or not, you can't go wrong with Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Coulis. Use the best-quality dark chocolate you can find - its flavor will really shine this cake.

How exactly do you pull off a meal like this if you have kids, you might ask?! Divide up responsibilities with your partner so one of you can work on dinner while the other gets the kids down. (In my house, I'll be cooking and he'll be kid-wrangling!) Then, dim the lights, pour some wine, and enjoy your evening!